How Music Artists Built SUPERFANS and Monetized Before Streaming 🎵

In this episode of The Manager’s Playbook, I sit down with Mag Rodriguez, founder and CEO of EVEN, to talk about the future of music monetization, global access, and building fan-first infrastructure.

Mag breaks down how EVEN is changing the game for artists worldwide, helping them go direct-to-fan, build community, and generate real revenue without relying solely on streaming or major platforms.

We get into:
→ How EVEN empowers artists in underserved markets
→ Why direct-to-fan isn’t anti-DSP, it’s just smarter
→ What artists can learn from tech founders
→ The real value of community, ownership, and global thinking

We also talk about Mag’s journey as a Latino founder navigating venture capital, working with artists like J. Cole, and what it means to build something that serves both culture and commerce.

Whether you’re an artist, manager, or builder, this conversation is for anyone who wants to understand the next wave of the music business.

A conversation like this doesn’t come cheap.

Timestamps:
00:00 Global Opportunities for Artists
01:04 Introduction and Background
01:18 Understanding the ‘Even’ Platform
02:16 Direct-to-Fan Strategy
03:04 Marketplace and Even Studio
04:53 Artist Authentication Process
06:06 Scaling and Onboarding Challenges
08:17 Monetization Beyond Streaming
13:44 The Birth of ‘Even’
22:14 Case Studies and Success Stories
44:19 The Business Side of Art
46:01 The Importance of a Strong Team
47:06 A Major Deal with J. Cole
48:09 The Impact of the J. Cole Collaboration
01:00:11 Navigating Major Label Relationships
01:04:53 The Future of Music Monetization
01:24:10 Latino Representation in Venture Capital
01:32:17 Meeting the Founders of Generator
01:33:04 Learning from Early Investors
01:33:34 Understanding Venture Capital
01:34:33 The Importance of Unit Economics
01:35:36 Building a Diverse Team
01:35:56 Empowering Through Transparency
01:36:39 AI as a Tool for Founders
01:37:17 The Power of Rep Lit
01:38:30 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
01:44:03 Global Opportunities for Founders of Color
01:47:54 Challenges and Resilience in Fundraising
02:00:49 The Future of Even and Globalization
02:07:20 Blockchain and Security at Even
02:11:27 Recommended Reads for Entrepreneurs

The opinions shared by our guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or The Manager’s Playbook.

Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Mauricio Ruiz, host of The Manager’s Playbook, with over 16 years of experience for tailored advice for artists and managers. Consultation Fees Apply https://calendly.com/themanagersplaybook/1hourconsult

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Host: Mauricio Ruiz
Executive Producer: Mauricio Ruiz
Director of Photography: Nathan Duarte, Grid Studio
On Location Sound: Nathan Duarte, Grid Studio
Editor: Max Carmona
Co-Editor: Mauricio Ruiz
Colourist: Max Carmona
Sound Engineer: Madeline Currie
Project Manager: Erica Kongvongxay
Marketing Coordinator: Melanie Letra-Frade
Production Company: 8 Til Faint

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